Employment

Arboretum Internships

Get Real-World Experience. Work Outdoors. Make an Impact.

The Boone County Arboretum is now accepting applications for paid Arboretum Internships. This hands-on program is designed for students who want practical experience in horticulture, public gardens, and environmental stewardship while working as part of a professional team.

What You’ll Do
Interns are actively involved in day-to-day Arboretum operations. Depending on interests and season, work may include:

  • Plant care and maintenance
  • Landscape installation and design support
  • Educational programs and public events
  • Collections work and general Arboretum operations
Intern Experience From Emily

You will work alongside experienced horticulture professionals while contributing to the care and growth of a 100+ acre public arboretum.

Who This Is For
This internship is a great fit for students pursuing degrees or careers in:

  • Horticulture
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Botany
  • Environmental Science
  • Related fields

College credit is encouraged but must be arranged independently by the student.

What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for interns who:

  • Have a genuine interest in plants, landscapes, and conservation
  • Enjoy working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
  • Are dependable, curious, and ready to learn
  • Work well as part of a team and bring a positive attitude

No prior Arboretum experience required. Just a willingness to show up, work hard, and learn.

Schedule & Pay

  • Pay: $16.50 per hour
  • Hours: Flexible scheduling from 16 to 40 hours per week
  • Season: Staggered start and end dates
    • Earliest start: March
    • Latest end: Late November

Schedules can be adjusted to accommodate classes and academic commitments.

How to Apply

  • Apply online using this link.
  • For any questions, contact Arboretum Director Kristopher Stone by email or call (859) 384-4999, Monday–Friday until 3:30 p.m.
 

 

 Volunteering

Volunteer Pictures

Volunteers are always welcome; see our volunteer page for more information.

No employment application is necessary for most volunteer opportunities, with the exception of our educational program volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering with our Arboretum On Wheels mobile learning lab or on-site field trips must go through a background check. Apply to be an educational program volunteer through this link.